Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Instrument
1.
That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device;
as, the
instruments
of a mechanic; astronomical instruments
.All the lofty
instruments
of war. Shakespeare
2.
A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced;
as, a musical
. instrument
Praise him with stringed
instruments
and organs. Ps. cl. 4.
But signs when songs and
instruments
he hears. Dryden.
3.
(Law)
A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc.
Burrill.
Or useful serving man and
To any sovereign state.
instrument
,To any sovereign state.
Shakespeare
Syn. – Tool; implement; utensil; machine; apparatus; channel; agent.
In′stru-ment
,Verb.
T.
1.
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument;
as, a sonata
. instrumented
for orchestraWebster 1828 Edition
Instrument
IN'STRUMENT
,Noun.
1.
A tool; that by which work is performed or any thing is effected; as a knife, a hammer, a saw, a plow, &c. Swords, muskets and cannon are instruments of destruction. A telescope is an astronomical instrument.2.
That which is subservient to the execution of a plan or purpose, or to the production of any effect; means used or contributing to an effect; applicable to persons or things. Bad men are often instruments of ruin to others. The distribution of the Scriptures may be the instrument of a vastly extensive reformation in morals and religion.3.
An artificial machine or body constructed for yielding harmonious sounds; as an organ, a harpsichord, a violin, or flute, &c., which are called musical instruments, or instruments of music.4.
In law, a writing containing the terms of a contract, as a deed of conveyance, a grant, a patent, an indenture, &c.; in general, a writing by which some fact is recorded for evidence, or some right conveyed.5.
A person who acts for another, or is employed by another for a special purpose, and if the purpose is dishonorable, the term implies degradation or meanness.